In El Salvador, the school year runs from january to october. At the culmination of each year, Glasswing sponsors a big celebration, enabling students, teachers and volunteers to highlight various achievements and identify specific individuals for superior work.

The event also celebrates the commitment of the companies that sponsor Glasswing’s successful after school programs and activities. This year, sponsoring companies Hanes Brands and Transactel were recognized for their significant contributions.

Nearly 1,000 students from 10 public schools in Sonsonate, San Vicente, Santa Tecla, San Salvador, San Juan Opico, and Ciudad Arce participated in this year’s celebration and more than 50 volunteers helped run the event, which took place at the “El Corralito” sports complex on november.  The soccer fields, inflatable castles, ziplines, climbing wall, and trampoline were just a few of the activities that kept the students engaged.

Glasswing’s extracurricular programs have helped the children reinforce their security and self-esteem, and volunteers act as positive role models for the students.  Thanks to USAID’s support, the funds of every sponsoring organization have been matched to help increase community impact.

Awards were given to the best journalists within the student newspaper clubs, which report on newsworthy stories taking place at their schools. First place was awarded to Joel Molina, of CE Las Flores.  Ceci Fuentes, of CE Cantón Lomas de Santiago and María de los Ángeles Hernández, of CE Comunidad San Francisco, were awarded second and third place respectively.

In addition, an inter-school soccer tournament was held. The winners were CE Refugio de La Paz in the boys division, and CE San Francisco Zapotitán in the girls division.

The event’s corporate sponsors reflected on the success of the day and their interest in continued support. "Helping the children is our primary motivation,” said Teddy Mendoza, Corporate Social Responsibility manager of Hanes Brands.  “We hope that they continue their enthusiasm in the coming year.”

"We are happy to help support the education of children,” said Sofía Chavarría, Transactel's manager for Corporate Social Responsibility.  “Transactel's partners are fundamental to this program's success and we are grateful to them for their time and to the children for their efforts.”